SRINAGAR: Three militants, belonging to two different outfits, and a CRPF jawan were killed while a jawan was injured in an encounter which ensued in the outskirts of city on Srinagar-Baramulla road on Wednesday.
Special Director General (DG) of CRPF Zulfiqar Hasan said that following specific information about a possible attack in the city, a checkpoint was established at Lawapora, about 12 km from here on Srinagar-Baramulla road.
“Three motorcycle-borne persons were asked by security forces to stop at the checkpoint,” Mr Hasan told reporters during a press conference here on Wednesday.
He said militant who was sitting at the end of the motorcycle got down and fired at the security forces. “One CRPF jawan, who received a bullet on his head, died on the spot,” he said, adding the deceased jawan has been identified as Ramesh Ranjan.
He said the security forces retaliated, ensuing in a brief exchange of fire. “Two militants were killed on the spot while one was arrested in a critical condition,” he said, adding one CRPF jawan was also injured. However, sources said that the third militant has also succumbed at the hospital.
The CRPF Special DG said the security force party at the checkpoint showed great courage and averted a major militant attack in Srinagar. “The security personnel will be appropriately awarded,” he added.
The slain militants have been identified as Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) commander Zia-ul-Rehman from Budgam, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant Khafil from Bijbehara and Faraz Lone of JKIS.
Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag singh said Rehman was involved in the looting of weapons from the residence of former MLC Muzafar Parray and many cases were registered against him. “Khafil’s brother-in-law was also a militant who was killed in one of the encounters,” he added.
The DGP said two pistols and few grenades were recovered from the slain militants.
Meanwhile, traffic on Srinagar to Baramulla and world famous ski resort of Gulmarg was suspended while vehicles were asked to take alternative route.
